Pasaway no more?

She is touted as the next big star in GMA 7’s stable of talents, being built up the way the network propelled the now enviable career of Marimar lead Marian Rivera to stardom. Rightfully so, because Jackie Rice, the Ultimate Female Survivor in the third season of the reality talent search, StarStruck, has got what it takes to become a major showbiz luminary.

Her pretty face and doll-like features, coupled with her charm and acting talent, are obviously her aces to stardom. Since her StarStruck grand triumph in 2006, Jackie has had regular exposure in GMA 7 programs. She did roles on Fantastikman, Princess Charming, Encantadia, Fantastik Kids and Love to Love. She was also a co-host on the now-defunct SOP Gigsters and her life story was dramatized on Mel Tiangco’s drama anthology, Magpakailanman, where Jackie played herself.

The movie offers came, too. Jackie was given a role as Regine Velasquez’s younger sister in Till I Met You, where she was paired with her fellow StarStruck winner, Marky Cielo. She also became Meynard Lapid’s leading lady in Tatlong Baraha, an official entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival last December.

However, after her career took off following her grand StarStruck triumph, Jackie instantly became controversial. She’s been accused of being unprofessional. Her love life also got in the way of her career, when she was said to have gotten romantically involved with Biboy Ramirez.

She didn’t have to lift a finger to be controversial or make a conscious effort to be constantly a favorite subject in showbiz-oriented talk shows. But Jackie, who is turning 18 this April, has proven she’s got what it takes to survive the dog-eat-dog world of showbiz, despite the countless controversies. She is bent on staying in showbiz, which has been the fulfillment of her childhood dream.

“Ever since I was small, it has been my dream to be in showbiz,” Jackie allows. “Gustong gusto kong maging artista. That’s why when I won on StarStruck, sobrang natuwa po ako because my childhood dream came true.”

Asked about the intrigues that continue to hound her, Jackie remarks, “I’m aware of the issues about me and if ever there was a time na naging pasaway daw ako, tapos na po ‘yun. It didn’t do me any good. Perhaps, may mga projects na nawala because of that. But I want to assure my bosses at GMA 7 that it’s different now. I’m more focused on my career because I intend to stay long in this business.”

Jackie, who is a contract star of GMA Artist Center, discloses she never questioned the decision of the network officers when it comes to giving her TV assignments. “They still know what’s best for me,” she maintains. “I guess I just have to show them that I’m serious in my showbiz career and they’ll take care of me. I will do what they want me to do.”

Throughout everything that happened in her two-year showbiz career, Jackie doesn’t regret anything. The incidents serve as learning experience for her and she knows there is a lot of room for growth and improvement.

“What happened to me made me realize a lot of good and bad things,” Jackie says. “Mas careful ako ngayon and I’m really ready to work hard. It’s important that there are people who still believe in what I can do and I value that. I don’t want to waste this opportunity.”

Born and raised in Olongapo, Jackie is of American-Filipino descent. Her father, James Rice, is an American and her mother, Vicki Sobreo, is Filipina. When she was 15, she joined the Binibining Zambales beauty contest, where she placed second runner-up. In 2006, Jackie landed on FHM Philippines’ list of sexiest women.

Recently, Jackie was tapped to be the poster girl for the latest and first-ever milk hair color treatment, the newest discovery of noted hairstylist and beauty parlor magnate, Ricky Reyes. Jackie knows all too well the harmful effects of harsh chemicals from the coloring treatments she has had before, so she welcomes the fact that milk hair color is made from all natural ingredients infused with all the benefits of milk.

Jackie also loves the glow of milk hair color in her hair that easily brightens up her face on and off camera. Undaunted by the many intrigues that hound her, Jackie’s bubbly charisma and winning smile make her today’s Kapuso favorite.

The milk color, according to Ricky, is available in 10  shades in all the Ricky Reyes salons nationwide. The outcome of the treatment is a vivid, permanent hair color that enhances one’s crowning glory to its maximum, without the fear of damage.

Jackie is simply pleased with every good thing coming her way as a young actress. She has acknowledged her mistakes and shortcomings and what is important is that she is ready to face up to the challenges anew. She is undoubtedly ready for the big time — and that won’t happen too long.